Mary Peacock Douglas

Mary Peacock Douglas (February 8, 1903 – January 29, 1970) was an American librarian and author. She was a nationally recognized expert in school libraries and made remarkable contributions for the development of the school library system in America.

Biography Born on February 8, 1903, in Salisbury, North Carolina, Mary Peacock Douglas was the daughter of Philip N. and Mary E. Trotter Peacock.

In 1923 she began her career as an English teacher and later became a school librarian in Salisbury. In July 1930, she became the first state school library adviser in the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. During her tenure, she made notable contributions to school library development in the form of guidance, demonstration and publication of handbooks.

As a nationally recognized school library system expert, she held leadership positions in a number of professional organizations, including North Carolina Library Association, South-eastern Library Association, American Library Association’s School Libraries Section, and the national organization of State School Library Supervisors.

Her publications include North Carolina School Library Handbook and Teacher-Librarian's Handbook. The Teacher-Librarian's Handbook, one of the best selling books, was translated into Korean, Japanese, Spanish and Turkish.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions in inspiring children and youth, she was honored with the Grolier Society Award in 1958.

On August 25, 1931, she married Clarence DeWitt Douglas, who served as comptroller of the North Carolina State Board of Education.

She died of cancer on January 29, 1970.